The Grand Babylon Hôtel

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

2813

Title

The Grand Babylon Hôtel

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

Set in the exclusive Grand Babylon Hôtel, this novel follows millionaire Theodore Racksole and his spirited daughter Nella as they navigate a whirlwind of international intrigue, royal scandals, and high-stakes detective work. Blending sharp social satire with adventurous plotting, the story explores themes of class, discretion, and the power of money against a backdrop of European royalty and American excess.

Summary up to 500 words

Arnold Bennett's *The Grand Babylon Hôtel* opens in the exclusive, aristocratic atmosphere of London's Grand Babylon, a sanctuary of discretion managed by the formidable head waiter Jules and the enigmatic Miss Spencer. The peace is shattered by the arrival of Theodore Racksole, the third richest man in America, and his spirited daughter, Nella. Their request for an 'Angel Kiss,' an American cocktail forbidden in the hotel, immediately highlights the cultural friction between American informality and European tradition. The plot intensifies with the dramatic entrance of Prince Eugen of Posen, who is entangled in a scandalous affair with a Berlin actress and subsequently vanishes. Nella, displaying remarkable nerve, investigates the mystery, leading to a perilous escape involving a yacht, a dinghy, and a sea chase. Alongside Racksole and Prince Aribert (Eugen's brother), she uncovers a conspiracy involving the criminal Tom Jackson and the mysterious Miss Spencer. The narrative weaves through life-or-death situations, including a murder investigation concerning Reginald Dimmock and a desperate attempt to save Prince Eugen, who has lost the will to live due to his scandal. Through daring amateur detective work, the group secures a million pounds to save the Prince's life and clear his name. The saga culminates in the tragic death of Jules, who escapes the hotel only to fall from a rusted fire escape. Following this, the romantic entanglements between Nella and Prince Aribert are resolved. The novel concludes with Racksole selling the hotel back to its founder, Felix Babylon, bringing the chaotic but entertaining story to a close. The work explores themes of class, nationality, and the clash between rigid tradition and modern liberty, all set against the backdrop of high-stakes adventure.

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

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https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/2813.epub.noimages

Local file path

data/epubs/pg2813.epub

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2026-06-30 13:07 UTC

Categories

• Classics
• Fiction
• Travel